Looking for advice for best base rifle to start new build.

Hello all! I am in the beginning stages of planning for a new rifle build for myself. I am looking for a short action chambered in 6.5CM with a heavier contoured factory barrel. The ultimate goal for this rifle will be for non-competition, mid range shooting at my local gun range (600 yards max). I do not plan on reloading and will be firing factory match ammo. I have looked around at my LGS and other locations local to me after some research and I have identified a few rifles that I believe would fit the bill.

My short term goal with the rifle will be to place a Vortex Viper HS-T 6-24x50 MOA scope onto it. My Mid term goal will be to place the barreled action into an MDT LSS-XL Gen2 chassis. Long term goal will be an aftermarket barrel in 6.5CM. Here are the available rifles that I have selected:

Model-------------------------Price----------Store----------Notes

12FV--------------------------$420----------Cabela's-------1/8 Twist, 26" barrel

10T-SR------------------------$600----------Cabela's-------1/8 Twist, 24"barrel, Threaded Barrel, 5R rifling, Factory Rail

110 Tactical-------------------$622----------LGS------------1/8 Twist, 24" barrel, Threaded Barrel, Factory Rail

11 Longe Range Hunter------$625----------LGS------------1/10 Twist, 26" barrel, Muzzle Brake

10SBA-------------------------$384----------LGS-------------Unknown Twist, 20" barrel, Threaded Barrel, Factory Rail


At first glance, it seems that the Cabela's exclusive Model 12FV offers the best price-to-options ratio of the bunch and is the rifle that I am leaning towards. I understand that all of these are short action rifles, but are there any differences between these actions that would make one more preferable to another? I know that the 110 is a newer rifle that has come out in the past few years, but I could not find info on whether Savage made major changes to the design of the action?

I apologize for the lengthy post and multitude of questions, I just want to make sure I am efficient and smart with choosing my base rifle. Thank you in advance for any info, insight, and knowledge!

Model-------------------------Price-----------------Store------------------------Notes

10 BA Stealth around $700 Gunbroker/Armslist 1/8 Twist, 24" barrel, threaded barrel, 5R rifling, Factory Rail

PLUS: Factory blue-printed action and comes with a MDT chassis very similar to the LSS-XL (just a little shorter forend). Do note that the 10 BA Stealth takes LARGE SHANK barrels and 8-40 scope rail screws. To me this is a great factory package! I have one in 6.5 CM but have not shot it yet because I'm still waiting on the chassis to be Cerakoted.

Thank you for that! I did check on Gunbroker and saw some good prices for those 10 BA Stealth's. I will certainly keep an eye on those as I try to narrow down my choices. Thanks again!

600yds max I would be looking for something cheaper to shoot unless it was also going to be a hunting gun also. Any 10 action will be nice and broken in well and smooth. You need a bolt head.. depending.. a barrel. Depending. A stock. Depending and some glass and mounting hardware/material.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

My recommendation would be the 110 Desert Tactical for $534.00 shipped from Buds Gun Shop. It has the Accufit-Accustock with inserts for personalized stock fit. The beaver tail Accustock has the AICS metal frame assembly and top bolt release metal trigger guard. No need to upgrade stock verses the 12FV which has a cheap synthetic, beaver tail, blind magazine stock. Also comes with 20 MOA EWG rail with 8-40 screws and the barrel muzzle is threaded. IMO, the most accurate out of the box Savage rifle bargain on the market today.

To get started

From your choice of forum classifieds:

S Action: $250 - $350
Barrel: $100-$200 New Take Off
$325 - $550 Prefit
Stock: $50+ Take Off
$400 -1000 +/- Chassis or Custom Stock

About the same as a used rifle. Some decent upgraded savages can be had for under $1000.

Shooting buddy just picked up one of these:https://www.sportsmansoutdoorsuperst....cfm/ID/207354

It really likes inexpensive Hornaday 6.5 CM Black 140 gr ammo, and will shoot them into very tiny groups. I know it's not in the price range you are thinking about, but it seems to be where you want to end up, so I thought I'd mention it.

I have a 10T, 12 FV and a Long Range Hunter (only the 10T is a 6.5 Creedmoor) and I would eliminate the Long Range hunter and the 10 T from consideration because of the bottom bolt release. It is easier to find a top bolt release chassis down the road. While the accustocks make a better immediate option, it is not as good for your long term goal of a LSS chassis unless you are fine using an extra tool to remove the bolt It just makes it easier to use a top bolt release. The 12FV might be best for your long term goals... and even better if you can wait for a sale.